Why Does Medicare Get A Piece of My Settlement?

We just reached a settlement of my truck wreck case. Medicare is going to get a check for over $20,000? My lawyer says we have to pay Medicare this money because Medicare paid most of my medical bills. Is that right?

Yes. Medicare has a legal right to be re-paid from the money you receive. Medicare reduces the amount of money it is owed by a pro rata share of the attorneys fees and expenses incurred in obtaining the settlement. Under extraordinary circumstances Medicare will reduce the amount it is owed by an even greater amount..